Senior Counsel, R&D

BAT is evolving at pace into a global multi-category business. Our purpose is to create A Better Tomorrow by Building a Smokeless World.

To achieve our ambition, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to join us on this journey! Tomorrow can't wait, let's shape it together!

British American Tobacco UK has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Counsel, R&D in London What are the key objectives and expectations from this role?

The Senior Counsel, R&D is responsible for providing proactive and relevant legal advice of a high standard to the Product R&D functions, including New Categories R&D and Combustibles R&D (CPT). The role involves advising on legal and regulatory issues related to the Group's Product Innovation strategy, working closely with Central Legal functions and Product Compliance teams.

What is the impact of this role on the team or organization?

This role partners with R&D to offer legal and regulatory counsel across all development stages for new and combustible products, including review and signoff for R&D Legal within the Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) processes and input to Ready-for-Regulation (R4R) developments.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Providing legal support and regulatory advice to global R&D functions, considering product characteristics and requirements.
• Drafting contracts supporting R&D activities in accordance with company policies.
• Identifying priorities and compliance procedures to ensure legal obligations are met.
• Developing and delivering training on legal and regulatory issues relevant to R&D.
• Mitigating risks in R&D activities, including IP, data protection, consumer protection, and compliance risks.
• Reviewing regulatory approaches across sectors to identify trends and alignments.
• Supporting in identifying and mitigating future regulatory risks.
• Participating in PLM governance forums.
• Staying updated on emerging issues related to BAT's products.
• Leading and developing a team with succession planning.
• Managing external counsel to ensure efficient and targeted legal work.

What are we looking for

• Proven experience providing strategic legal advice on product regulation, with proactive problem-solving skills.
• Flexible, hands-on attitude with sound commercial judgment under pressure.
• Ability to handle diverse global legal and commercial issues.
• Strong negotiation, project management, and contract drafting skills.
• Adaptability to change and ambiguous situations.

Technical / Functional / Leadership Skills Required

• Knowledge of product laws, regulation, corporate governance, and compliance.
• Creative problem-solving skills ensuring legal and reputational risk is managed.
• Experience working at senior levels internally and externally.
• Ability to build positive relationships and communicate complex legal issues clearly.
• Proactivity and decision-making skills in evolving environments.

Education / Qualifications / Certifications Required

• Qualified lawyer (7+ PQE or equivalent) with experience in commercial/regulatory law.
• Experience in private practice and in-house legal environments.

Beneficial Experience

Experience in product innovation within an international FMCG environment.

What we offer you?

Market-leading performance bonus, diverse benefits, career development opportunities, online learning, and a culture of continuous improvement.

WHY JOIN BAT?

Recognized as a Global Top Employer, we promote collaboration, inclusion, and diversity. We support career breaks and provide accommodations during recruitment. Join us to bring your unique perspective and grow your career in a supportive environment.